Al Harris

Note: This article originally appeared in the Chicago Tribune on January 27, 1986

Did Buddy Ryan give his defensive crew a farewell speech when he addressed them Saturday night? Ryan told his players, "Regardless of what we do Sunday, you're my heroes." Then he got misty-eyed and left the room.

"I had never seen him like that before," said safety Gary Fencik.

The Bears, though, saw vintage Buddy Ryan defense Sunday, when they destroyed the New England Patriots 46-10. They allowed only 123 total yards and only 12 first downs.

Complete Ryan domination. Enough to finally get him to acknowledge that yes, this is his best defense...

Related "Al Harris" Articles

Note: This article originally appeared in the Chicago Tribune on January 27, 1986
Did Buddy Ryan give his defensive crew a farewell speech when he addressed them Saturday night? Ryan told his players, "Regardless of what we do Sunday, you're my...

A run to last month's FCS championship game has helped raise Illinois State's football recruiting profile and the biggest impact could be felt soon.
Redbirds coach Brock Spack announced a 22-member class on national signing day Wednesday with seven...

In 1979, the Bears made defensive end Al Harris a first-round draft pick (9th overall), out of Arizona State. Harris wound up playing 11 NFL seasons, nine with the Bears and his final two with the Eagles. At 6-5, 250 pounds, Harris was agile and athletic....

if Lovie Smith gets fired, how long after the purge will it take the Bears to have a winning season? -- @joshohmart, from TwitterNo matter what happens the rest of the way this season, I would say the chances of the Bears being worse next season would...